Home From the Holidays

Monticello Outdoors

Wasilla Outdoors

I'm home from Christmas in Alaska after a wonderful early Christmas in Monticello. The mind and body is on hold at this point after an all nighter flight from Anchorage. Pictures to follow in a day or two when I am caught up on my sleep. First things first you know.

P.S. (Tagged)

Oh, I forgot to tag seven people, so if you want to do this then tag, you're it.

Tagged

The rules are... link the person who tagged you Ashlee and then list 7 weird or random facts about yourself and then tag 7 people and link them!

1. My daughter and her family live in Alaska. I love visiting them there but my biggest wish ever is for them to move home or closer to home.

2. My son is engaged to a wonderful woman who has become not only my future daughter-in-law but also my friend. Her two children are delightful and I love them bunches.

3. I have two Chihuahuas, Fancy and Bruiser. I did not pick out either name but they fit.

4. The house I live in is cypress and pine all of which was cut by my husband before he died. I love living in it.

5. I work at a job I love at the police department but I am also looking forward to getting to retire. Hopefully that will happen in less than four years if all goes as planned.

6. I am a far from perfect Christian but I have loved the Lord all my life.

7. I think there are way too many I's in this list!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Wednesday
Dec 24
Snow Shower
High 19°F
Low 17°F
Precip 60 %

Thursday
Dec 25
Snow Shower
High 17°F
Low 14°F
Precip 40 %

Troubling Headlines

Obama hopes to reboot US image among Muslims

Pay raise for judges tucked into bailout plan

Retail sales post big drop in November


But the good news is that God is still in charge and he knows what the plan is:

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Some of My Christmas Things

My Christmas Tree

Angel Tree Topper by Andy (kindergarten)

Abby & Lilly Handprint Ornaments

Alaska Ornament

Abby

Snowman Handcrafted by my Aunt

Part of the Stockings (9 this year - 10 next year)

New Santa & Signs

My Favorite Santas

Looking Like Christmas

Well, my tree is up! Thanks to Lane' and B.J. They came out this afternoon and helped me get the tree done and the house all decorated. It's begining to look a lot like Christmas. Can you read that line without singing it? It even feels like Christmas outside.

My church is all prettied up too. Wish we could leave the garland and poinsettias up all year. Maybe it is because red is my favorite color that I enjoy the red splashed everywhere this time of year.

I put in my favorite Christmas CD this afternoon and sat back with Donna and B.J. (Lane' left for a party). We sipped hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows and listened to Kenny belt it out. It has been a perfectly delightful day.

Atrocious Acts of Christmas

This is the ultimate reason to add to my list of why I don't shop on black Friday. What a sad commentary on the moral values of our society when shopping for what we WANT is worth more than a human life. No wonder our economy is failing. Maybe it should so that we can realize what is really important in life. Has there ever been a more selfish, self-centered society than we have now?

As if this is not enough, check this out...abortion gift certificates are available for Christmas. What a great gift for the celebration of Christ's birthday.

Thanksgiving Day

What a wonderful day it has been! Andy, Donna and B.J. were here for a huge lunch of grilled pork chops, crock pot venison, mashed potatoes, biscuit sauce (if you call it gravy, B.J. won't eat it), corn, green beans, carrots, rolls, pecan pie and a rum cake baked by my good friend, Gail. The leftovers were just as good for supper although they may get old to me before they are all gone. We made some pictures outside after lunch then went for a drive. It has been a pleasure to me to have family here the whole day. I hate to admit it but sometimes I have a bit of a letdown when everyone leaves in mid afternoon. The only letdown today was missing the ones not here: Lane' and the Alaska crew. I look forward to the day when both of my children and their families can be here all at the same time.

I have so much to be thankful for this year:

A growing realization and appreciation of just how much God loves me.

Kristy and her family in Alaska

Andy and his new family and the joy that Donna is bringing into my life also

My friends and family

My two lovable dogs

A good job and my work family

My home and health

And so much more.

Here are some pics we made today.

My View On Cooking

Saturday Plans

Well, my first plan was very successful - to sleep late. I also plan to take some stuff to Grannie's Attic in a while and then work on pricing things I have been bringing in for about two weeks. Got to get all these boxes put up before Thanksgiving. Now don't go looking for the exercise equipment in the picture to show up at Grannie's. It must stay here since it is so good for hanging clothes on and setting boxes on. Using it today is NOT in my plans.

Stinky Linky

Be careful where you break wind.....you could be arrested!

Free Dr. Pepper

Dr. Pepper giveaway.....get yours here.

You'd Better Watch Out

Be careful buying gift cards this year. No one will love a plastic card for Christmas unless it can be traded for something good.

Bailout Blues

How much of your tax money do you want to hand over to these bozos? I have the bailout blues.

What I'm Watching

What I'm Listening To

Gypsy Needs a Home

Is there anyone out there who needs a sweet companion? Gypsy needs a good, loving home to move into. She would be happiest indoors with a family or individual who would pet her and love on her a lot. She has been spayed and I would get her up to date on her shots, get her bathed and dipped, and send her to you all cleaned up. She has a very sweet personality and needs to move to a new home before cold weather gets here. Think about it!

Cooler Weather - Puzzle Time

Basically Boring Life

Okay, so I've been a lazy blogger for a while but when your life is basically boring then your blog spot is basically boring too.

I have been busy at Grannie's Attic working on my booths. Things have been rearranged and I have added lots of new stuff which I have picked up here and there. Almost all the booths have been rented and Grannie has even expanded into the back room with some wonderful pieces of antique furniture and Christmas things. Drop in and look around. There is something for almost anyone in there including baby things (new and used), wedding stuff (new), antiques, tee shirts, books, magazines, furniture, candles, Tupperware, purses, luggage, etc. It is like a mini mall!

The pictures below are from last week at my son's house. It sure is nice to get a call saying, "Mom we're grilling tonight so come on out and eat supper with us." It was an enjoyable night and I got lots of hugs and kisses from Lane' and B.J. Lane' posed with her new puppy and B.J. just generally showed off his jumping and doing boy stuff for me. Lots of fun was had by all and this night was far from boring!

Red Eye's Palin Profile

Fancy and Bruiser

I finally got a decent picture of my new house dog, Bruiser. He is a rescue, who came to a friend's house, and then she found him a home with Fancy and I. It had been on my mind to get a companion dog for Fancy since I am gone to work every day and I was just sure she was lonesome all day. So when Bruiser showed up, out to the woods he came to see if Fancy liked him. She didn't! At least not for a few weeks but now they get along famously. She still is a tiny bit jealous when I give him my attention but they get along fine. Both of them are good company for me and I really do enjoy them. Below is one of the rare times I am able to get them still at the same time long enough to get a picture. Aren't they cute?

A Good Quote

"Do not try to do a great thing, or you may waste all your life waiting for the opportunity which may never come. But since little things are always claiming your attention, do them as they come from a great motive, for the glory of God and to do good to men." - F.B. Meyer

Does anyone else sometimes wonder if you are wasting your life because you have not accomplished anything "big"? Maybe all we are called to do is the little things that may mean something big in someone else's life. I know there are lots of "little" things that others have done for me which I will always remember them for doing. These things meant a great deal in my life. This quote today is a real encouragement. It is one of those quotes which make me say, "I wish I had said that."

Election Bumper Sticker

I'm Off to Bed Right Now!

Dogs

A friend of mine has found a home for Rascal, the Jack Russell Terrier. Gypsy, the black dog still needs a home and there is also a dog that looks like he may be a Blue Healer. Both of them would make great pets. If any of you know someone who would like a dog please let me know.

Sold

Thanks for all the interest. All the baby stuff is gone. If anyone is wanting something else, let me know and I will be on the lookout for you.

Homes Needed

As you know if you follow my blog, I rescue dogs quite frequently. These are two of my rescues who went to live with my neighbor shortly after I got them. My neighbor was an elderly man who lived alone. Last week he passed away. Since I now have two other dogs, I really need to find homes for Gypsy and Rascal.

Gypsy is the black dog. She has been spayed. She would make a wonderful pet for a family with children. She is gentle and loving with a sweet personality.

Rascal is a different story. He needs a place where he can run and play during the day but come inside at night. He might be okay with older children but he has been known to nip. He hates a bath and will need a strong hand for that. He also has a good temperment over all but being a Jack Russell Terrier has to have plenty of exercise and outdoor time. He can tree squirrels but is not trained to come to his owner when called.

Both of these dogs are free to the right home. I love them both and want them to have good homes. If you need some little sweetheart to love please consider one or both of them.

Baby Bed For Sale

Okay, everything is spoken for except the baby bed. It is still for sale.

Hope all of you are having a good Labor Day, in spite of Gustav.

For Sale

Before I load this baby bed up and take it to Grannie's Attic, I thought I would put it on here and see if any of you would like to buy it. (It will be less expensive if I don't have to take it apart and move it LOL). It was used very little for my grandchildren who usually wound up sleeping with Mamma when they were here. I bought the bed and mattress new at Wal Mart. I can price it several ways 'cause I have other "baby" stuff that my grands have outgrown. The toys are mostly for infants: chew toys (barely used), car seat attachments, Leap Frog piano, etc. There are also two duckie sheets, a teddy bear sheet, a mattress pad, teddy bear bumper, two towels, several washcloths and bibs. If anyone is interested either call me or email me in the next few days and let me know. I plan to take it all to my booth by the weekend unless you let me know that you want it.

YES!!!!!!

Fancy's New Friend

This cute little fellow showed up at a friend's house this past weekend. He is now at my house to see how he and Fancy get along. If all continues to go well he may get to stay unless his owners claim him. Any name suggestions? Right now we have been calling him Bruiser.